was talking to my friend Howard today--he has hiked about every inch of the park---Our conversation turned to--THE SNAKES OF THE SMOKY'S--He proceeded to tell me how special the water snakes of the Smoky's are---I said "Why are they special"---Howard said--Because they are larger than most water snakes,and they are aggressive,meaning they will come after you,their bite is not poisonous,but their bite does contain an anticoagulant and hurts a lot-----Is Howard right?--I have seen several water snakes in the park--Have yet to be attacked-----Happy Thanksgiving--there is no place like the park in Winter

the most common water snake is the Northern Water Snake. this snake is moderately aggressive and very aggressive when bothered. yes, the bite contains an anticoagulent which causes the bite to bleed heavily.